Eric Spicely locks in a rear naked choke and gets the finish! Huge upset! #UFCBrasilia https://t.co/GvQNMiQmQ7
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) September 25, 2016
Unheralded Eric Spicely proved his mettle in the Octagon as he trounced 8-1 favorite Thiago Santos and submitted him in the first. The TUF 23 veteran was all over the Brazilian from the start as he scored a takedown and transitioned from one sub attempt to another before finally locking up a textbook rear-naked choke. Santos tried to escape but was unable to and had no choice but to tap out. The official time of the surprise submission came at 2:58 of the opening frame.